BREAKING: Nationwide Strike Called as Canada Post Labour Dispute Escalates Following Government Reforms

The ongoing labour dispute between Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) has escalated into a nationwide strike, effective immediately, as of September 25, 2025. This immediate action was called by the union in direct response to the federal government clearing the way for massive reforms to the corporation. This live timeline provides a detailed, date-stamped record of the stalled contract talks for the Urban Operations and Rural and Suburban Mail Carriers (RSMC) bargaining units.

Key Issues Driving the Dispute

The lack of a new collective agreement stems from a wide gap between the two parties on several issues, including:

• Government Mandate: The new federal directive to end door-to-door delivery and close some offices is a core catalyst for the strike, as CUPW views it as an "attack on our postal service and workers."

• Wages and Compensation: CUPW's rejected a $1 billion final offer in August, which included a 13% pay increase over four years, demanding a higher increase.

• Weekend Delivery and Parcels: Canada Post is pushing for amendments to allow for more weekend parcel delivery to address its financial losses.

• Service Modernization: The corporation is pursuing changes like phasing out door-to-door delivery and relaxing service standards, which CUPW opposes on the grounds of job security and public service.

• Financial Health: Canada Post's reported financial insolvency and reliance on government bailouts heavily influence the talks.

Canada Post Labour Dispute Status 2025: Live Timeline & CUPW Negotiations Update

The ongoing labour dispute between Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) continues to impact postal services across Canada.

This live timeline provides a detailed, date-stamped record of the stalled contract talks for the Urban Operations and Rural and Suburban Mail Carriers (RSMC) bargaining units.

As of late September 2025, the dispute is entering a critical phase involving a new federal mandate for the corporation.

Key Issues Driving the Dispute

The lack of a new collective agreement stems from a wide gap between the two parties on several issues, including:

• Wages and Compensation: CUPW's rejected a $1 billion final offer in August, which included a 13% pay increase over four years, demanding a higher increase.

• Weekend Delivery and Parcels: Canada Post is pushing for amendments to allow for more weekend parcel delivery to address its financial losses.

• Service Modernization: The corporation is pursuing changes like phasing out door-to-door delivery and relaxing service standards, which CUPW opposes on the grounds of job security and public service.

• Financial Health: Canada Post's reported financial insolvency and reliance on government bailouts heavily influence the talks.

CUPW-Canada Post Negotiation Timeline: September 2025

September 25th, 2025 (CRITICAL UPDATE): CUPW Calls Nationwide Strike

In response to the government's announcement, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) declared that all workers are on a nationwide strike, effective immediately. CUPW stated it was "outraged and appalled" by the reforms. The federal government, via Minister Joël Lightbound, had announced a major modernization plan allowing Canada Post to end door-to-door delivery for the remaining four million addresses and to close some corporate post offices. The government cited the corporation's "effectively insolvent" status and ordered Canada Post to submit a cost-savings plan within 45 days.

• Source: CBC News, Global News

September 18th, 2025: New Global Offers Expected

Canada Post informed CUPW it would be responding to the union's recent counter-offers with new global offers. The new proposals, designed to incorporate the company's financial realities and government mandates, are anticipated to be officially presented on September 26th. The corporation also requested that CUPW lift its ongoing ban on flyer delivery.

• Source: Canada Post

September 12th, 2025: CUPW Shifts Strike Action to Neighbourhood Mail Ban

The CUPW announced a strategic change in its industrial action. The union lifted the nationwide overtime ban but immediately introduced a ban on the delivery of Neighbourhood Mail (unaddressed flyers and direct mail), effective September 15th at 12:01 am local time. This move was intended to exert financial pressure on Canada Post's revenue stream and force a return to serious bargaining, as addressed mail and parcel services remain unaffected.

• Source: CUPW, CBC News

CUPW-Canada Post Negotiation Timeline: August 2025 and Prior

August 13th-August 27th, 2025: Return to the Bargaining Table

With the aid of a federal mediator, Canada Post and CUPW resumed face-to-face negotiations. On August 20th, CUPW presented its latest counter-offer. Canada Post acknowledged the offer but publicly urged the union to submit "workable solutions" that address the company's financial challenges.

• Source: Canada Post

May 28th-August 1st, 2025: Final Offer Rejection

Canada Post’s final offer to both the Urban and RSMC units was put to an employee vote, a process approved by the Minister under the Canada Labour Code. The majority of CUPW-represented employees rejected the offer, confirming that the labour dispute remained unresolved.

• Source: Canada Post

May 23rd, 2025: Work-to-Rule Action Initiated

The CUPW initiated an initial work-to-rule measure by implementing a nationwide overtime ban for all Urban and RSMC employees.

• Source: CUPW

May 13th, 2025: Industrial Inquiry Commission (IIC) Report

The IIC, led by William Kaplan, released its highly anticipated final report. The report concluded that Canada Post was in dire financial straits, recommending service cuts like phasing out door-to-door delivery and other measures that would directly impact the union's membership and the current collective agreement.

April 29th-May 13th, 2025: Temporary Negotiation Pause

Negotiations between the parties were temporarily paused to allow for time to develop new proposals for a path forward.

March 2nd, 2025: Negotiation Breakdown

Weekend negotiations held between Canada Post and the CUPW ended without a negotiated agreement.

February 24th, 2025: IIC Conducts Inquiries

The Industrial Inquiry Commission (IIC) conducted two rounds of inquiries into the collective bargaining dispute, fulfilling its mandate to gather facts and provide a way forward.

January 14th, 2025: Talks Resume

The CUPW resumed talks with Canada Post in parallel with the IIC following a mandated moratorium on strike action imposed by the government in late 2024.

Credible News and Information Sources

This page is being updated with the following credible news outlets. 

• Canada Post (Corporate News/Negotiations Hub)

• CUPW (Negotiations/News)

• CBC News

• Global News

• CTV News

• BNN Bloomberg